According to draft budget figures published by the Northern Ireland Executive on 15th December, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) faces one of the largest cuts compared to the other government departments, despite being the smallest with an annual budget of just 1% of total government spending. It is set to lose over 9% of its budget, equating to a loss of £14.5m over the four year budget period.

Almost 30% of these cuts have been passed directly on to the arts sector. This means an annual drop in arts spending from £13.6m to £12m over the four year budget period - a reduction in cash terms of £4.2m. Compounded by inflation and the additional pressures on the budget due to the new venues scheduled to open soon, the Arts Council’s ability to support the work of artists and arts organisations is severely constrained.

URL: http://www.artscouncil-ni.org/news/2010/new22122010.html